Yogesh K Porwar
A city-based advocate,Prashanth Methal,has filed a private complaint before the 1st Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Court,alleging that Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh hurt religious sentiments by mocking a sacred Daiva tradition during a public event.
Acting on the court’s direction,the complaint was referred to the High Grounds police,who on Wednesday registered an FIR for further investigation.
In his complaint,Methal stated that he is a devotee of Chavundi Daiva,a revered guardian spirit worshipped in the traditional Bhoota Kola rituals of coastal Karnataka, and that the deity is also his family deity.He claimed to have been worshipping Chavundi Daiva with deep devotion since childhood.
According to the complainant,the alleged incident occurred on November 28,2025,during the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa.
He alleged that Ranveer Singh,while on stage and in the presence of the lead actor of Kantara:Chapter 1,mocked the sacred Daiva tradition by crudely imitating the divine expressions of Panjurli/Guliga Daiva.
The actor is also accused of verbally referring to Chavundi Daiva as a “female ghost”and enacting an emotional Chavundi Daiva scene from Kantara:Chapter 1,despite an alleged request not to perform the Daiva act.
The complainant asserted that Chavundi Daiva is not a ghost but a powerful guardian spirit symbolising justice, protection and divine feminine energy, holding deep religious and cultural significance in coastal Karnataka.
Referring to the deity as a ghost was described as blasphemous and a serious insult to Hindu religious beliefs and practices.
He further alleged that the accused, being a widely followed public figure,performed the act on an international platform with the knowledge that it would hurt the religious sentiments of devotees.
The video of the performance allegedly went viral on social media,causing mental agony,anger and resentment among devotees.
The complainant stated that he became aware of the incident on December 2, 2025,around 7.30 pm,while at the Karnataka State Billiards Association on Jasma Bhavan Road in Bengaluru,after viewing the video on Instagram,posted by an account named “Brief Chaat.”
He alleged that the act was deliberate,intentional and malicious,aimed at outraging religious feelings, promoting enmity,hatred and disharmony among communities,and insulting the religious beliefs of devotees of Chavundi Daiva.
Based on the complaint,High Grounds police have registered an FIR against Ranveer Singh under Sections 196, 299 and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and have taken up further investigation.
